The journey to Chernihiv - the needs remain accute

The drive from Kiyv to Chernihiv took a bit more than 4 hours. To avoid the destroyed bridge of the highway, we have to use a 2-lane road in a big forest. Roads are generally in bad shape in Ukraine but here you add the numerous checkpoints. Each time, ID and a document legitimising the goods that we transported. Taking pictures and videos remains totally prohibited because of the makeshift fortifications on the way. At least twice we had to hold our breath as we were crossing bridges that had been just quickly repaired. As we were approaching the city, the traces of recent battles became visible: remains of a few tanks and then houses and factories in ruins. My 2 companions, just coming back to the city after the siege, who had remained quite silent during the trip, became suddenly more tense and emotional.

We finally reached out destination: the Roman Catholic parish of the Holy Spirit. Father Pyotr of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary received us with our shipment of food and medicine. 2 days ago the 30 people who had been sleeping with them in the basement since the beginning of the offensive could go back home. Only one family remains there because their house is totally destroyed. Gas and electricity are also back at least in this neighbourhood. But supply of basic necessities remains scarce.

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The work goes on

The house of Sonia and Igor was hit by four artillery shots and totally destroyed last year. Fortunately they were in a safe place with their daughter Nikita at the time, and Igor is a professionnal builder. Couragously they worked tirelessly with the help of BoMozhemo, and here they are putting the floor and the electricity. It is a grace to share these days with them, sorting out bricks salvaged from the ruins, crushing them with a sledgehammer for cement or putting the greenhouse back together with its promise of borsch, and other traditional vegetable dishes.

FOLLOW-UP OF OUR NOVEMBER MISSION

Thanks to your gifts, a tremendous work has been accomplished under the leadership of Sacha to bring some comfort to some of the most hardest hit by the hardships of the war. Another part of the donation was used to buy the materials needed for the fixing roofs, floors and walls. No more suitable work to keep us warm in the Chernihiv winter.

TIME TO GO BACK

Work is now completed in Yevgueni and Tania's house. But so many people are still exposed to the cold in bombed houses. With your generosity, we hope to go back and show them that they are not alone in the tribulation, that the victory is where there is hope and solidarity.

ST. JAN - CHARITY UKRAINE

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